### US-Mexico Cattle Trade Resumes After Screwworm Concerns The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border for cattle imports, which had been suspended due to fears of the New World screwworm parasite. This reopening is set to begin on July 7, 2025, with the first port of entry being Douglas, Arizona. The screwworm parasite poses significant health risks to livestock, causing severe lesions and potentially life-threatening damage [https://apnews.com/article/mexico-us-screwworm-cattle-2ea2cbbb02c102a1feb1f402cd5774cf][https://www.abc27.com/national/us-mexico-border-set-to-reopen-for-cattle-imports-after-screwworm-scare]. ### Overview of the Reopening Process 1. **Phased Reopening**: The USDA will implement a phased approach to reopening, starting with specific ports of entry. 2. **Initial Locations**: The first reopening will occur at Douglas, Arizona, followed by other locations as conditions permit. 3. **Health Monitoring**: Ongoing monitoring and regulations will be enforced to ensure that the screwworm threat is managed effectively. 4. **Impact on Trade**: This reopening is expected to positively impact the cattle trade between the U.S. and Mexico, which had been significantly affected by the import suspension. ### Key Data and Implications - **Screwworm Threat**: The New World screwworm is a flesh-eating parasite that can cause severe health issues in cattle, leading to economic losses in the livestock industry [https://bilyonaryo.com/2025/07/01/usda-announces-phased-reopening-of-mexican-cattle-imports-after-screwworm-closure/food]. - **Economic Impact**: The suspension of cattle imports had significant economic implications for both countries, affecting farmers and the broader agricultural market [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/cattle-imports-us-resume-flesh-094110045.html]. - **Regulatory Measures**: The USDA's phased reopening will include strict health checks and monitoring to prevent the spread of the parasite [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3487835-usda-plans-phased-reopening-of-mexican-livestock-imports]. ### Conclusion and Future Outlook In summary, the USDA's announcement to reopen the U.S.-Mexico border for cattle imports marks a significant step towards restoring normal trade relations after the screwworm scare. 1. **Reopening Timeline**: The phased reopening begins on July 7, 2025, starting with Douglas, Arizona. 2. **Health and Safety Measures**: Stringent health monitoring will be in place to mitigate the risks associated with the screwworm. 3. **Economic Recovery**: This move is anticipated to revitalize the cattle trade and support the agricultural economy in both nations. The successful management of the screwworm threat will be crucial for the sustainability of livestock imports moving forward [https://kvia.com/news/border/2025/06/30/usda-to-reopen-santa-teresa-port-of-entry-to-livestock-imports-amid-screwworm-concerns].